The new year is shaping up to be a busy one with 21 new classes just posted to the calendar at the 21 Acres Center for Local Food and Sustainable Living.

As part of this initiative, 21 Acres is pleased to launch a new partnership with Everett Community College and Cascadia Community College to offer beekeeping and backyard farming classes through their catalog.

As Gretchen Garth, 21 Acres’ board president, explains: "Partnerships with organizations such as this one with the community colleges make sense as they foster collaboration and creativity and allow us to reach more people who may be interested in sustainable issues and to contribute to keeping our programming costs low."

This series is in partnership with the Venturing Program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women ages 14-21 who are interested in learning sustainable cooking basics.

Simply Seasonal – Exploring the Bounty of the Pacific NW – Register for one, more than one or the series

• At the Italian Dinner Table I, Chef Paola Querzoli, Jan. 14

• At the Italian Dinner Table II, Chef Paola Querzoli, Jan. 21

• Winter Soups, Chef Olaiya Land, Feb. 11

• A Winter Feast, Chefs Chris & Josh, A Kitchen Table, Feb. 25

•Misunderstood Vegetables, Chef Olaiya Land, Mar. 11

• French Country Fare, Chef Barbara Sowatsky, Mar. 25

Eating for a Lifetime Series – Register for one or all three Saturdays

• Four Pillars of Living Well, Feb. 8

• Cooking with Nature, Feb. 22

• Going with Your Gut, Mar. 8

GROWING CLASSES

• Backyard Farming, Five Thursdays, Feb. 13 - March 13

• Beekeeping for Backyards, Mar. 5 & 12; Mar. 8 & 15

• Drip Irrigation Water Conservation, Jan. 14

• New Technologies for Water Conservation, Feb. 11

LIVING CLASSES

• Right-Sizing: Less Stuff = Less Stress, Jan. 16

• Organizing Digital and Print Memories, Feb. 1

• Eliminate Paper and Information Chaos, Mar. 1

It is important to note that members of 21 Acres typically received reduced registration fees if they register through the organization directly. Class participants also receive a discount in the 21 Acres Farm Market the week following a class.

For more details, visit the 21 Acres’ school webpage, 21acres.org/school.